Mental Health Disparities: Importance and Challenges of Applying Cultural Sensitivity

Mental health disparities: Importance and challenges of applying cultural sensitivity
Lin, M. (Palo Alto University), Ma, H. (Palo Alto University), Lee, J. (Palo Alto University), Zuni, K. (Palo Alto University), & Chu, J. (Palo Alto University).
mailto:mlin@paloaltou.edu

Mental health disparities has been defined as the differences between populations that influence the provision of behavioral health care (Safran et al., 2009). Although psychological research and practice has positively recognized the importance of culture and diversity, there is still a growing need to understand how to appropriately conceptualize and apply the known cultural variations. We will hold a discussion of the advantages and challenges associated with the current application of acknowledged cultural disparities in behavioral health. The exploration will focus on the importance of considering cultural contexts and the process in which cultural differences exist in the utilization of mental health disparities statistics. There will also be discussion of the use and misuse of cultural disparities in various aspects and perspectives of clinical practice, and promotion of using culturally sensitive interventions. Cultivating informed cultural awareness is necessary to further the mission of multiculturalism and acceptance of diversity.

Safran, M. A., Mays Jr, R. A., Huang, L. N., McCuan, R., Pham, P. K., Fisher, S. K., ... & Trachtenberg, A. (2009). Mental health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 99(11), 1962-1966.